Emma Pritchard
More than 160 people came together at the South Grafton Ex-servicemens Club on February 15 to celebrate the outstanding achievements of some of the most talented athletes, notable sports clubs, and local sports personnel during the 2024 Clarence Valley Sports Awards.
An initiative of the Clarence Valley Sports Councils, the annual event was sponsored by the Clarence Valley Independent, Clarence Valley Council (CVC), Loving Life FM 103.1, Grafton ShoppingWorld, Coles, Clarence Media, South Grafton Ex-servicemen’s Club, the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC), Jetts Grafton, Troy Designs, Anytime Fitness, Cansdell Signs, Kane’s Sport – Yamba NSW, Tooheys, the Maclean Show Society, Bowlo Sports and Leisure Yamba, the Clarence Canegrowers Association, and the Foot Locker, in association with local sporting organisations.
As their respective categories and the subsequent winners were announced throughout the night by MCs Damien Fisher and Leoni Ryan from Loving Life FM103.1, participants applauded loudly in support of their fellow nominees and called out encouragingly as they stepped onto the stage to receive their awards.
And the Major Awards went to…
Winner of the Grafton Shoppingworld Senior Sportsperson of the Year for 2024, Shannon Moran told the Clarence Valley Independent she felt deeply honoured to be recognised for her work with the Lower Clarence Pony Club and gratefully acknowledged her nan Joyce Watson who bought her, her first pony and inspired her to follow her passion for horses and horse riding.
Previously announced as the winner of the Senior Sportsperson of the Month for July last year, Ms Moran said she was looking forward to celebrating with her friends and family and would commemorate the occasion by giving her beloved pony Mac an extra big carrot.
There was plenty of cheering when Tamar McHugh of the Grafton Redmen was announced as the winner of the Grafton Shoppingworld People’s Choice Award for 2024 after receiving 2627 votes from the general public in an online poll through the Clarence Valley Sports Awards Facebook page.
Recognised for her strong leadership on the field and her motivational work ethic, the prominent sports star revealed she was shocked to accumulate such a high number of votes.
“Thank you to the amazing community for voting for me, it means a lot,” she said graciously.
“Thank you also to the Grafton Redmen Rugby Club, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without them.”
Full Awards list
Members of the Clarence Valley Sports Awards Committee said they were thrilled by how the night unfolded and said it was tremendous to once again acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the local sporting community.
The Clarence Valley Independent also congratulates all of the 2024 Clarence Valley Sports Awards winners and nominees.
Clarence Valley Independent Club of the Year for 2024 – Grafton Netball Association.
Holly Butcher Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award for 2024 – Adam Brown (cricket).
Anytime Fitness Senior Team of the Year for 2024 – Yamba Football Club Women’s 2nd Division North.
Anytime Fitness Junior Team of the Year for 2024 – Grafton Hockey Girls Under 18s.
Grafton Shoppingworld Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year for 2024 – William Tait (athletics).
Grafton Shoppingworld Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year for 2024 – Breanna Robertson (BMX).
Grafton Shoppingworld Senior Sportsperson of the Year for 2024 – Shannon Moran (Lower Clarence Pony Club).
Grafton Shoppingworld People’s Choice Award for 2024 – Tamar McHugh (Grafton Redmen).
Loving Life FM 103.1 Masters Sportsperson of the Year for 2024 – Laurelea Moss (cycling).
Jetts Fitness Coach of the Year – Matt Mawson (Under 13s Tackle Side South Grafton Rebels Junior Rugby League).
Max Godbee Award for contribution to sport in the Clarence Valley – Brooke Burton (Grafton Netball Association).
Ernie Muller Award for outstanding leadership in the local sporting community – Mark Skippings (Yamba Football Club).
Bruce Green and Col Marsh Memorial Trophy for excellence in agricultural sports – Brian Ferrie (Maclean Show Society).
Words of Encouragement
Former Matildas player and local business owner Jo Powell of Jetts Fitness in Grafton was invited to share highlights of her illustrious sporting career with attendees as the Guest Speaker during the night, and reiterated the importance of always working hard, never giving up, or letting obstacles of any size prevent you from achieving your dreams.